Vehicle Description
When Jaguar merged with the British Motor Corporation in 1966 to
become British Leyland, both companies had existing limousine
models - the ageing Daimler Majestic Major and the Vanden Plas
Princess 4-litre.Leyland needed only one limo in their catalogue,
and it was decided to replace both of these older models with a
single new limousine under the Daimler flag. To keep development
costs in check, it would be based on Jaguar components, but would
be assembled in the Vanden Plas factory at Kingsbury in London. The
result was the DS420 which launched in 1968 and co-incidentally
became the first new model of the newly-merged British Leyland
company. It was based on an extended floor-pan from the Jaguar
420G, which made the DS420 the biggest ever British car with
unitary body construction. The engine was the well-known Jaguar XK
in 4.2-litre form, with an automatic transmission as standard. The
semi-razor-edged style of the body was likely inspired by some of
the classic Hooper bodies on Daimler chassis. The basic bodyshell
was supplied by Motor Panels in Coventry and mechanical components
were fitted by Jaguar at Browns Lane, before the limousines were
sent to Vanden Plas for final assembly and trim. When the Vanden
Plas factory closed in 1979, final assembly and trim moved back to
a special Limousine Shop in the Jaguar factory at Browns Lane. The
design of the DS420 also showed its origins as a Jaguar modified to
serve asa Daimler limousine. With a chassis based on the platform
of the flagship Jaguar 420G sedan and the XK twin-cam six-cylinder
engine, it utilized the four-headlight front end styling of 1960s
Jaguar sedans with Daimler's trademark fluted radiator grill shell.
The only British competitor to the substantially more expensive
Rolls Royce Phantom VI limousine, the DS420 was a well-accepted and
successful model, lasting all the way until 1992. This was the last
car to use the classic Jaguar XK six-cylinder engine, five years
after its last use in the Jaguar XJ6. Numerous royal families
around the world have used the DS420, the most famous user being
the late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.She used the DS420 as
her official car from 1970 until her passing in 2002 - owning a
total of five, including one of the last produced in 1992. Other
royal users include the ruling houses of Denmark and Luxembourg.
Non-regal but noteworthy DS420 owners included Howard Hughes, who
ordered one with an unusual centrally mounted rear bucket seat that
he believed reduced pitching motions for him as the passenger; the
Inter-Continental Hotel in Hong Kong, which purchased numerous
DS420s to use as limousines for high end guests; and the funeral
trade in the United Kingdom, which used the DS420 as both a hearse
and as a limousine for relatives of the deceased. DS420s served in
both roles in the funeral of Princess Diana. In 24 years of
production, Jaguar/Daimler produced only 4,141 limousines and 903
chassis for hearses. A small number of royal family cars remain in
service, receiving the care normally given to royal family cars.
This very special DS240 Limousine is one of the very finest
examples of the opulent Daimler we have encountered. Finished
stunningly in elegant Metallic Gray with gold and green coachlines,
the cabin is trimmed in buttery biscuit hides with rich green and
tan brocade fabric inserts in the rear. Delivered new to France, it
left the factory in rare and desirable original left-hand-drive
specification. In recent years, it was in the care of a devoted
marque enthusiast who spared no expense to perfect his extensive
collection of beloved Daimlers. This fabulous DS420 features a long
list of impressively engineered updates, foremost of which is found
under the bonnet - in the form of a supercharged 4.0-litre Jaguar
AJ16S engine rated for 322 horsepower as used in the XJR. It is
also uses the XJR's automatic gearbox, and features a custom
exhaust system with catalytic converters to ensure proper running.
Other luxury amenities include dual AC systems (recently serviced
in 2022) with rear HVAC controls, power divider window, privacy
glass with curtains, powered rear sunshade, jump seats, a rear bar
with crystal glassware and a rear audio system with TV/DVD player.
Rarely seen in such fine condition and with so many welcome
upgrades, this outstanding Daimler is ready for touring enjoyment
with enhanced power and in the lap of luxury. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7540-1991-daimler-ds420-limousine/
